June 24, 2009... Eleven students graduated from Trident Technical College’s first Facilities Maintenance Technician Program June 3. After photos and congratulations, the graduates were interviewed by representatives from local businesses that attended the graduation ceremony, eager to talk with potential employees with 400 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on training in basic maintenance and repair. Within a few weeks of graduation, half of the Facilities Maintenance Technician graduates are already employed. Area businesses are calling the program a success. “I have never had the opportunity to interview eleven educated and pre-screened maintenance folks in one year much less one day,” said Victoria Cowart, vice president of property management at Darby Development Co., Inc. and president of the South Carolina Apartment Association.

Wayne Koeckeritz, director of engineering at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, agreed. "We are very pleased to participate in this program that offers training in so many different crafts and trades,” he said. “I’ve never seen such a group of well-rounded, well-trained individuals."

The Facilities Maintenance Technician Program, offered by Trident Technical College’s Division of Continuing Education and Economic Development, is designed to meet the high demand for maintenance technicians required for the operation of resorts, apartment complexes, schools, hospitals, hotels and motels. Students are guaranteed a job interview upon successful completion of the training program. This continuing education program is offered in cooperation with local employers and Trident One Stop Career Center.

The program is based on nationally recognized curriculum provided by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI). Students learn how to repair doors, locks, cabinets and hardware; repair and install electrical devices and plumbing fixtures; perform basic repairs such as painting, glazing and patching drywall; and service air conditioners. The program also includes instruction in workplace safety and communication skills necessary for good job performance.

Interviews to participate in the next Facilities Maintenance Technician Program will begin in June, and applications will be accepted at the college’s St. Paul’s Parish Site at 5231 Highway 165 in Hollywood. A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required. Drug screening is also required as well as a South Carolina Law Enforcement Division check. Testing and training are free for qualified candidates. Attendance and performance during training will be used for employment recommendations. Successful completion of the training program carries no obligation to accept any offer of employment. Workforce Investment Act funding is available for those who qualify. For more information about the Facilities Maintenance Technician Program, contact Lloyd Kling at 843-574-6491 or 843-323-3500, or visit www.tridenttech.edu/ce.htm.

Eleven students graduated from Trident Technical College’s first Facilities Maintenance Technician Program. Pictured are: first row – Damian Heyward, Dr. Mary Thornley, president of Trident Technical College, and Joshua Washington; second row – Melvin Washington, Jeremy Wright, William Freeman and Daniel Ives; and third row – Gregory McCannick, Telvon Coakley, Henry Nowicki, Dwayne Norman and Gralin Dunn.